Are you thinking about becoming a registered nurse? It’s good to know that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is popular among new nurses.
According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Study, over 70% of nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is why many employers prefer this degree. To help you decide on your education, check out the best online BSN programs available.
Accredited nursing schools offer these programs, providing comprehensive curricula, experienced faculty, and valuable hands-on learning through clinical labs.
Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs Rankings Summary
| RANK | SCHOOL | IN-STATE TUITION | OUT-OF-STATE TUITION | ACCEPTANCE RATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI | $9,273 | $37,161 | 60% |
| #2 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $3,358 | $15,000 | 66% |
| #3 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TX | $6,665 | $19,344 | Not provided |
| #4 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston, TX | $8,841 | $34,020 | Not provided |
| #5 | The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Galveston, TX | $7,018 | $20,683 | Not provided |
| #6 | University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha, NE | $11,340 | $30,510 | Not provided |
| #7 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA | $32,736 | $32,736 | Not provided |
| #8 | University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MD | $9,446 | $38,822 | Not provided |
| #9 | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University Brooklyn, NY | $7,070 | $17,830 | Not provided |
| #10 | Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC | $15,622 | $28,184 | Not provided |
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
1. University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Cost per Credit: $452 per credit
- Program Length: 5-6 semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 24-30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 95.22%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state $9,273, Out-of-state $37,161
The University of Wisconsin Madison’s RN to BSN program allows RNs to earn degrees at their own pace. All core courses are offered asynchronously, in blocks of seven or fourteen weeks.
Topics include chronic care, nursing research and community health nursing. Each student must complete a 60-hour capstone clinical experience in their local area.
Admission requirements include: An RN license and a diploma in nursing or associate’s degree, A GPA of 2.5 minimum, A letter of recommendation.
2. University of Florida-Online
- Cost per Credit: $129 per credit (resident); $553 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Five semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 98.39%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $3,358 , Out-of-state: $15,000
The University of Florida Online RN-to-BSN program is primarily asynchronous and explores the nurse’s role in an ever-changing healthcare system. The courses cover legal and ethical dilemmas as well as genetics and genomes.
They also discuss nurse participation in policies and changes. The university requires 45 hours of virtual simulation and 45 hours of independent clinical experience gained through informal community observations.
Florida RNs who have an ACEN-accredited associate degree are eligible to apply. Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.8, a letter of intent, 2 professional references and a CV or resume.
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Cost per Credit: $215 per credit (resident); $635 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Two semesters (full time); three semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.91% (2022)
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $6,665, Out-of-state: $19,344
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s online RN to BSN program incorporates asynchronous courses, discussion boards, and web conferencing.
The electives include holistic nursing, integrating spiritual needs and evidence-based practices, and political involvement. Students work on field projects, usually with mentors at their workplaces.
Admission requirements include a nursing license, a degree in nursing, and a GPA of at least 2.0. Admissions consider previous RN experience, military services, multilingual or first-generation status.
4. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Cost per Credit: $273 per credit (resident); $1,111 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: 2-3 semesters (full time); five semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 31 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 91.55%
- Program Accreditation:
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state:$8,841, Out-of-state: $34,020
Students can start the online RN to BSN program at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston during the spring, fall, or summer terms.
Online lectures are available for all courses, including the introduction to applied health informatics and issues in professional practices. Each student completes a culminating, in-person community health project with the help of professional and community partners.
Admission requirements for Texas RNs include an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Nursing Diploma, a GPA of 3.0 in science and nursing prerequisites and a Texas RN License.
5. The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Cost per Credit: $238 per credit (resident); $661 per credit (nonresident)
- Program Length: Two semesters (full time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 30 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.02%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $7,018, Out-of-state: $20,683
The University of Texas Medical Branch’s RN to BSN program can be completed in eight months. Online courses are flexible and cover legal and ethical topics, evidence-based research and practice, and clinical reasoning for health assessments.
Students design clinical activities with faculty in their local community. Each applicant must have an active RN licence in their state. They also need a minimum GPA of 2.5 in 60 credits in prerequisite courses.
6. University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Cost per Credit: $372 per credit
- Program Length: 2-6 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 20 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 84.85%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $11,340, Out-of-state: $30,510
Students in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s online RN to BSN program can access their coursework anytime, and synchronous sessions are scheduled occasionally in advance. The courses build skills in evidence-based care, population-centered health, and health promotion.
During the clinical requirements of the final semester, students gain experience as nurse leaders in their local community. Each licensed RN must have a GPA of 2.0, two letters recommending them, and a request for a pre-admission interview. The program starts three times a year.
7. Loma Linda University
- Cost per Credit: $345 per credit
- Program Length: 8 quarters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 50 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Private
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022-2023): 88.82%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $32,736, Out-of-state: $32,736
Loma-Linda University’s online BSN-to-RN program offers part-time and full-time enrollment options accommodating working nurses. The RN capstone is completed by each student, along with nursing informatics and introductory epidemiology. The Seventh-day Adventist school, centered on Christ, also requires students to take two religion classes.
Admission requirements include a California RN License, an associate degree in Nursing, a minimum GPA of 2.5, a personal statement, 3 letters of recommendation and an interview. Students can complete up to 20 credits online.
8. University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Cost per Credit: $4,784 per semester (full time, Maryland resident); $19,629 per credit (full time, nonresident); $417 per credit (part time, Maryland resident); $1,406 per credit (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: 2 semesters (full time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 31 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 81.11%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $9,446, Out-of-state: $38,822
The online RN to BSN program at the University of Maryland Baltimore emphasizes competency-based learning. Three open electives, in addition to the core courses, offer students the chance to specialize in either substance abuse and addictions or health IT care coordination.
Each student completes a public or community health internship during their final semester. An RN license, a resume or CV, an essay and a letter of recommendation are required. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, 2.75 GPA for science coursework and nursing experience.
9. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- Cost per Credit: $3,535 per semester (full time, New York resident); $4,240 per credit (full time, nonresident); $295 per credit (part time, New York resident); $353 per credit (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: 3 semesters
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021): 88.2%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $7,070, Out-of-state: $17,830
The RN-to-BSN program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University focuses on the core nursing competencies deemed necessary by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Online courses cover pathophysiology and informatics, clinical care technologies and spiritual care.
Students complete 37.5 hours of community health nursing clinical experience either locally or at SUNY partner clinical sites. Admission to the program requires a New York RN License, one letter of recommendations, and 90 credits in prerequisites. The school prefers that applicants have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7.
10. Medical University of South Carolina
- Cost per Credit: $650 (full time, South Carolina resident), $1210 (full time, nonresident), $686 (part time, South Carolina residents), $1,440 (part time, nonresident)
- Program Length: Three semesters (full time); six semesters (part time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 35 credits
- On-Campus Requirement: No
- School Status: Public
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 96.49%
- Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Average Undergrad Tuition: In-state: $15,622, Out-of-state: $28,184
The Medical University of South Carolina offers an online RN to BSN program. Students are guided through this program in asynchronous cohorts. Each semester, in addition to the core courses, includes virtual or physical clinical hours during which students work on projects that focus on gerontology and community and public health. These three projects are the program’s final requirement.
The school will provide the following: an active RN license, a resume, an essay, and three completed reference forms. Admission committees also evaluate work experience and leadership.
Is a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree Worth It?
BSN degrees offer nursing candidates a variety of career opportunities. A bachelor’s in nursing is a good option for nurses who want to participate in legislative action, quality assurance and facility committees or advance their nursing career. A BSN is not for everyone. You may pursue an ADN after weighing the financial and time commitment required for a BSN. ADNs allow RNs to enter the workforce faster and finish a BSN while working.
- Career Advancement: With this degree, you can move into advanced nursing practice or leadership positions.
- Increased earning potential: Nurses with BSNs tend to make more money than nurses with ADNs.
- Better job prospects: Many employers now require (or strongly prefer) nurses with BSNs.
- Better patient outcomes: BSN programs provide nurses with a broader education and can help them build more advanced problem-solving skills that lead to quality care.
- Save Money: Online degree programs can help you save on-campus fees, transportation, room and board, and other costs. Online tuition can be cheaper than on-campus tuition in some cases.
- Manage time: Online scheduling allows you to schedule school around your lifestyle rather than vice versa.
- Reduce the opportunity cost: Online students don’t have to put off earning money and developing professionally to pursue a degree.
FAQs About Nursing Bachelor’s Programs
How Much Can I Make With a Nursing Bachelor’s?
The average salary for a nursing bachelor’s degree depends on many factors, including location, experience and certifications. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of an RN is $ 81,220.
Government facilities and hospitals are the highest-paying sectors for nurses, while educational services and residential institutions are the lowest-paying. The BLS predicts that registered nursing jobs will grow faster than the average, by 6% between 2022-2032.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nursing Bachelor’s Online?
Online BSNs can take 1-4 years, depending on your experience and education. It also depends on whether or not you are enrolled full-time. Your graduation time is also affected by the type of nursing program you choose, such as RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN.
The majority of RN-to-BSN programs are for nurses who are already working. Most programs can be completed in one to two years if you are a full-time student. Students who attend part-time can complete the program in up to four years if necessary. Students with non-nursing Bachelor’s degrees can complete most BSN programs in 2 to 4 years.
Can you get a BSN without an ADN?
Yes, you can register in a BSN program without having an ADN. Before applying, you must finish requirement college courses, including chemistry, biology, and anatomy.
What can you do with a bachelor’s in nursing?
Nurses with a bachelor’s degree can work in healthcare facilities as bedside nurses and in doctor’s offices. Beyond the bedside, BSN-prepared nurses can work in informatics, forensics, clinical research, health coaching, recruitment, legal consulting, education, healthcare policy, and telehealth. Some positions may need additional classes or certification.
Can you earn a bachelor’s in nursing online?
You can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing online if your bachelor’s is in a field other than nursing or if you are an RN. BSN students can enroll in a hybrid BSN program, which includes some campus-based coursework and clinical skill check-offs.
What courses do you take in a nursing bachelor’s program?
Nursing candidates must complete statistics, college algebra and developmental psychology. Nursing courses that are required include health issues for vulnerable populations, informatics and transition to BSN.
